Student groups call for fire safety checks in study centres

After a fire broke out at the Dhruvatara study centre in Ganjve Chowk on Saturday, concerns over the safety of study centres in Pune, Maharashtra, have grown.

Students preparing for competitive exams have requested Pune’s district administration to initiate fire safety audits across all study centres in the city, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Currently, Pune hosts over 250 study centres, catering to thousands of students who travel from various parts of India to prepare for competitive exams.

However, it was reported that none of these centres have undergone fire safety audits.

Following the incident, student organisations, including the Competitive Examination Students’ Association and Yuva Sena, have appealed directly to Pune’s district collector.

These groups have raised urgent concerns, emphasising the need to prioritise student safety over financial gain.

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner Rajendra Bhosale has subsequently ordered a comprehensive inspection of all study halls in the city.

Student associations urge action on safety measures

The Competitive Examination Students’ Association and Yuva Sena have taken a firm stance on this issue, highlighting the inadequate safety measures in many study centres.

Mahesh Gharbude, president of the Competitive Examination Students’ Association, stated: “Every day, new study halls are being started in the city. Only financial gain is considered while starting these places.

“But no one cares about the safety of students. The municipal corporation should investigate this and take strict action.”

Gharbude’s association has demanded audits not only of study centres but also of college hostels under municipal control to ensure they meet safety standards.

In an official statement, the association called for action against study centres operating in unsafe buildings and emphasised the need for municipal accountability in the event of future incidents.

They advocate stringent inspections and penalties for centres that do not meet required safety norms.

Concerns over safety in overcrowded and ageing study halls

A significant number of study centres are located within ageing structures in Pune’s old city, leading to concerns about overcrowding and insufficient facilities.

Kalpesh Yadav, joint secretary of Yuva Sena, raised issues related to these study halls, stating: “The administration should take permanent measures for the safety of students.

“Many study halls are part of old structures in the old city. More students are admitted than the capacity of these halls. Also, high fees are charged but the facilities are poor.”

Yadav’s comments reflect widespread concerns that high student numbers and limited safety measures present a risk to those preparing for exams.

These structures often lack proper sanitation and emergency systems, making student safety an urgent priority.

Ongoing inspections and official responses

In response to student demands, PMC commissioner Rajendra Bhosale has initiated an inspection of Pune’s study centres.

Bhosale said: “We are now carrying out an inspection drive of all study centres and halls in Pune city.

“If we find that fire safety norms are not being followed, strict action will be taken.”

This inspection aims to identify centres lacking compliance with fire safety requirements and ensure that any deficiencies are addressed promptly.

Bhosale’s actions align with requests from both student bodies and individual students who have voiced concerns about insufficient safety infrastructure in study centres.

Local student Ashish Kale commented on the conditions in many centres: “Many study centres are located in dilapidated buildings and do not even have access to drinking water… Fire safety tools are not included in any textbook. A sudden fire can cause a major disaster.”

Fire safety concerns rise in Pune study centres as students urge audits following blaze: Summary

Following a fire at Dhruvatara study centre in Pune, students have called for comprehensive fire safety audits across all study centres in the city.

The Competitive Examination Students’ Association and Yuva Sena have urged Pune’s district administration and the PMC to conduct regular inspections to ensure these centres adhere to safety standards.

Currently, over 250 study centres serve students preparing for competitive exams, yet none have applied for fire safety audits, raising serious concerns.

PMC commissioner Rajendra Bhosale has commenced an inspection drive, confirming that centres not adhering to safety norms will face penalties.